Console device of portable type, control method and radiographic imaging system

ABSTRACT

A console device of a portable type is combined with a radiographic imaging device, and retrieves a radiation image from the radiographic imaging device. A registration unit selectively registers plural user menu options for retrieving the radiation image. A radiation image retrieving unit retrieves the radiation image according to a registered one of the user menu options. A display controller, after displaying the radiation image retrieved according to a current user menu option on a display unit among the user menu options, performs display processing of a succeeding user menu option for retrieving a succeeding radiation image in an overlapped manner with the displayed radiation image. Preferably, a pass-through area is formed in the radiation image by directly receiving the radiation without passing through an object. The display controller performs display processing of the current or succeeding user menu option inside the pass-through area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese PatentApplication No. 2014-192226, filed 22 Sep. 2014, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a console device of a portable type, acontrol method and a radiographic imaging system. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a console device of a portable type inwhich suitability for visual recognition of an image is improved, and acontrol method and a radiographic imaging system.

2. Description Related to the Prior Art

In the field of medicine, image diagnosis is performed by acquiringmedical images of a patient. To this end, a radiographic imaging systemfor use with radiation such as X-rays is well-known as a system foracquiring medical images. The radiographic imaging system includes aradiation generator and a radiographic imaging apparatus. The radiationgenerator generates radiation. The radiographic imaging apparatus formsa radiation image of a body of a patient by detecting the radiationtransmitted through the body. The radiation generator includes aradiation source, source driver and radiation switch. The radiationsource applies the radiation to the body. The source driver drives andcontrols the radiation source. The radiation switch is operable to sendan input to the source driver for starting the radiation source. Theradiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiographic imaging deviceand a console device, which retrieves (or reads) radiation imagesrecorded by the radiographic imaging device and performs displayprocessing for a display to display the radiation image.

There is a type of radiographic imaging device in which a radiation filmor an imaging plate (IP) coated with photostimulable phosphor is usedfor recording a radiation image. The radiation image on the radiationfilm or the like is read by a scanner for the radiation film or an IPreading apparatus, and converted into image data. The console deviceretrieves the converted image data, and displays an image of the imagedata. Also, a known type of radiographic imaging device is a radiationimage detector, which converts radiation into an electric signal torecord a radiation image. The radiation image detector includes a sensorpanel called a flat panel detector (FPD), which converts the radiationtransmitted through a body of the patient into an electric signal, todetect the radiation image. As the radiation image detector can transmitthe radiation image to the console device immediately for the consoledevice to display the image. There is an advantage of visually checkingthe present image immediately after imaging, in comparison with theconventional type of the radiographic imaging device for use with theradiation film or imaging plate.

A widely available form of the console device of the desktop typeincludes a display panel and a console main unit. The display panel is adisplay unit for displaying a user menu option or radiation imageretrieving menu option for retrieving a radiation image, and theretrieved radiation image. The user menu option displays a body part,imaging direction and the like related to imaging of a radiation imagein a form of letters, icons and the like. The console main unit is basedon a personal computer, workstation or other electronic terminalequipment, and retrieves a radiation image created by the radiographicimaging device. Also, the console main unit is a display controller ordisplay processor for driving the display panel to display the user menuoption and the radiation image together.

JP-A 2009-089723 discloses the radiographic imaging apparatus having aportable console device, which is based on a portable informationterminal device such as a smart phone or tablet terminal device. Theportable console device has a touchscreen display unit for displaying animage and receiving inputs in response to touch. The touchscreen displayunit displays the user menu option and the radiation image in the samemanner as the console device of the desktop type. The portable consoledevice has a smaller size and smaller weight than the desktop type, andis operable in a manually held state in a hand of an operator. Theportable console device is useful in various fields of health care inwhich an operator must work in an erect posture, for example, in aveterinary clinic, or for emergency medicine in which rapidity isessential.

In a veterinary clinic, a portable console device may be used in aplaced state at a location distant from a veterinarian, for example, maybe leaned on a special stand, or supported on a wall of a support plate.This is because the portable console device may be broken by abruptmotion of an animal with an animal body to be imaged for a radiationimage, or may be made dirty by body fluid from the animal. It ispossible in the veterinary clinic to create a plurality of the radiationimage by manually holding the animal in predetermined positions, or bysuitably changing a position of the animal for consecutive imaging. Theportable console device is used in the placed state on a stationarysupport similarly.

Although the portable console device is useful in the human medicine,typically for emergency medicine or in-patient care in a hospital, it isnecessary for medical staff manually to support a body of a bedriddenpatient assuming that he or she cannot stand alone. For this purpose,the portable console device is used also in the placed state on astationary support.

It is preferable to display the radiation image in a large size on atouchscreen display unit, for example, in a full-screen size, forenabling viewing the radiation image even from a distant locationbecause of the use of the portable console device at the distantlocation from the veterinarian or operator. The radiation image must bedisplayed for checking typically in consecutive imaging for pluralimages, because positioning or the like is checked after each event ofimaging before creating another image.

It is conceivable to view to the radiation image from a distant locationfor the purpose of consecutive imaging of the animal by changing aposition of the animal according to a user menu option or radiationimage retrieving menu option. However, a size of the touchscreen displayunit of the portable console device is smaller than that for a consoledevice of a desktop type. Display sizes of the user menu option and theradiation image must be small in order to display the user menu optionand the radiation image together within the touchscreen display unit, tolower suitability for visual recognition.

In JP-A 2009-089723, there is no suggestion of suitably keeping visualrecognition of the user menu option for the radiation image on thedisplay of the portable console device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing problems, an object of the present invention isto provide a console device of a portable type in which suitability forvisual recognition of an image is improved, and a control method and aradiographic imaging system.

In order to achieve the above and other objects and advantages of thisinvention, a console device of a portable type for retrieving aradiation image created by a radiographic imaging device is provided. Aregistration unit registers plural user menu options for retrieving theradiation image. A radiation image retrieving unit retrieves theradiation image respectively according to the registered user menuoptions. A display controller, after displaying the radiation imageretrieved according to a current user menu option on a display unitamong the user menu options, performs display processing to display asucceeding user menu option for retrieving at least a succeedingradiation image in an overlapped manner with the displayed radiationimage.

Preferably, the display controller performs display processing of thesucceeding user menu option upon lapse of waiting time for display afterthe radiation image becomes displayed.

Preferably, the display controller causes the display unit to display amain image of the radiation image and a preview image of the radiationimage with a smaller data size than the main image in a sequence ofchanging over from the preview image to the main image. Upon changingover the display unit from the preview image to the main image, thesucceeding user menu option is displayed in an overlapped manner withthe main image.

Preferably, the succeeding user menu option is constituted by a group ofplural sub menu items, and the display controller performs displayprocessing of the plural sub menu items by the group in a form of thesucceeding user menu option.

Preferably, the display controller performs display processing todisplay the current user menu option in an overlapped manner with theradiation image.

Preferably, the display controller causes the display unit to displaythe current user menu option in an overlapped manner with the previewimage. Upon changeover from the preview image to the main image, thesucceeding user menu option is displayed in an overlapped manner withthe main image.

Preferably, a pass-through area is formed in the radiation image bydirectly receiving the radiation without passing through an object. Thedisplay controller performs display processing of the current orsucceeding user menu option inside the pass-through area.

Preferably, the display controller determines a display form of thecurrent or succeeding user menu option within the pass-through area byconsidering a form of the pass-through area.

Preferably, the display controller reads out attribute informationassociated with the radiation image before displaying the current usermenu option, and causes display processing to display a first item in anoverlapped manner with the current user menu option, the first itembeing relevant to the current user menu option among plural itemsincluded in the attribute information.

Preferably, the display unit is changed over from the succeeding usermenu option to another user menu option, the radiation image retrievingunit changes a sequence of retrieving the radiation image.

Preferably, assuming that the succeeding user menu option is changed toa current user menu option, the radiation image retrieving unit enablesthe radiographic imaging device to perform re-imaging according to thecurrent user menu option.

Preferably, furthermore, an audio processing unit notifies informationof the succeeding user menu option acoustically.

Preferably, the display controller causes the display unit to displayguidance information for steps of creating the radiation image in theradiographic imaging device until the radiation image is initiallyretrieved according to the plural user menu options.

Preferably, an object in the radiation image is an animal body, and theradiation image is for veterinary use.

Also, a control method for a portable information terminal device forretrieving a radiation image created by a radiographic imaging device isprovided. In the control method, plural user menu options for retrievingthe radiation image are registered. The radiation image is retrievedrespectively according to the registered user menu options. Afterdisplaying the radiation image retrieved according to a current usermenu option on a display unit among the user menu options, a succeedinguser menu option for retrieving at least a succeeding radiation image isdisplayed in an overlapped manner with the displayed radiation image.

Also, a radiographic imaging system is provided, and a radiographicimaging device for creating a radiation image from radiation passedthrough a body. A console device of a portable type retrieves theradiation image from the radiographic imaging device. A console holderholds the console device. The console device includes a registrationunit for registering plural user menu options for retrieving theradiation image. A radiation image retrieving unit retrieves theradiation image respectively according to the registered user menuoptions. A display controller, after displaying the radiation imageretrieved according to a current user menu option on a display unitamong the user menu options, performs display processing to display asucceeding user menu option for retrieving at least a succeedingradiation image in an overlapped manner with the displayed radiationimage.

Consequently, suitability for visual recognition of an image isimproved, because a succeeding user menu option for a succeedingradiation image is displayed in an overlapped manner with the displayedradiation image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will becomemore apparent from the following detailed description when read inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a radiographic imaging systemfor veterinary use;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation illustrating the radiographic imaging system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a radiographic imaging device;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a radiation image database;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating an optical image database;

FIG. 6 is a plan illustrating a console device of a portable type;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the console device;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically illustrating circuit devices ina CPU in the console device;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a flow of operation in the consoledevice;

FIG. 10 is a plan illustrating a main page in the console device;

FIG. 11 is a plan illustrating a user page;

FIG. 12 is a chart illustrating a list displayed in menu registration;

FIG. 13 is a plan illustrating a view page with a radiation image;

FIG. 14 is a plan illustrating the view page with the radiation imageand a succeeding user menu option;

FIG. 15 is a plan illustrating the view page with operation buttons;

FIG. 16 is a plan illustrating the user page in a state for exclusionprocessing;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating radiation image retrieval;

FIG. 18 is a plan illustrating a view page only with the succeeding usermenu option;

FIG. 19 is a plan illustrating a view page in which a form for thesucceeding user menu option is changeable according to a pass-througharea;

FIG. 20 is a plan illustrating a view page in a state for exclusionprocessing in which the radiation image corresponds to the user menuoption;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a radiographicimaging device of a second preferred embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating radiation image retrieval;

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view illustrating a view page;

FIG. 24 is a plan illustrating a view page of a third preferredembodiment;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a chest menuoption;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an abdomen menuoption;

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view illustrating a view page;

FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating radiation image retrieval of afourth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory view illustrating a view page;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart illustrating radiation image retrieval of afifth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 31 is an explanatory view illustrating a view page;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram schematically illustrating overlayinformation of a sixth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a plan illustrating a view page;

FIG. 34 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a portable consoledevice of a seventh preferred embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram schematically illustrating of a portableconsole device an eighth preferred embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a plan illustrating a view page;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a radiographic imaging systemof a ninth preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENTINVENTION First Embodiment

In FIG. 1, a radiography system architecture 10 or X-ray systemarchitecture for veterinary use is illustrated, and used for imaging ofan animal body P of an animal, for example, a dog, cat, and various petsand small animals. The radiography system architecture 10 includes aradiographic imaging system 11 or radiographic imaging apparatus forveterinary use, an image server 12 and a communication network 13. Theradiographic imaging system 11 forms a radiation image of the animalbody P. The image server 12 manages radiation images of the animal bodyP. The communication network 13 interconnects the radiographic imagingsystem 11 and the image server 12 in a communicable manner. An exampleof the communication network 13 is a local area network (LAN) installedin a veterinary clinic.

The radiographic imaging system 11 is installed in an examination roomin the veterinary clinic. The radiographic imaging system 11 includes astand device 15, a radiation generator 16 or X-ray generator, and aradiographic imaging device 17 or X-ray imaging device. A patient table22 of the stand device 15 supports an animal body P of an animal to beimaged. The radiation generator 16 emits radiation. The radiographicimaging device 17 forms a radiation image by receiving the radiationtransmitted through the animal body P. The radiation generator 16 andthe radiographic imaging device 17 are partially incorporated in thestand device 15. A portable console device 31 for veterinary use in theradiographic imaging system 11 is operated by a veterinarian D oroperator, and can be carried and moved with portability in a site of theveterinary clinic.

The stand device 15 includes a base portion 19, a stand 20 (supportpost), a lift mechanism 21 and the patient table 22. The base portion 19is placed on a floor of an examination room, and supports the entiretyof the stand device 15 as a pedestal. The stand 20 is fixed on the baseportion 19 to extend vertically as a pillar, to support the patienttable 22.

The lift mechanism 21 is a mechanism for supporting the patient table22, and disposed on the stand 20 in a manner movable up and downvertically. A radiation image detector 30 or electronic cassette isincluded in the radiographic imaging device 17. A detector holder 21 ais disposed in the lift mechanism 21 for containing the radiation imagedetector 30. A grip handle 21 b is formed on a front surface of thedetector holder 21 a, and used for pulling out the detector holder 21 afrom a lower side of the patient table 22. An inner space of thedetector holder 21 a contains the radiation image detector 30. Returningthe detector holder 21 a with the radiation image detector 30 to thelower side of the patient table 22 positions the radiation imagedetector 30 under the patient table 22.

The patient table 22 is used for placement of the animal body P. Anupper surface 22 a of the patient table 22 is kept horizontal bysupporting the patient table 22 with the lift mechanism 21. The patienttable 22 is in a shape of a rectangular quadrilateral extending in ahorizontal direction. The lift mechanism 21 keeps the patient table 22movable horizontally in its longitudinal direction. Moving the patienttable 22 with the animal body P causes a body part of the animal body Pto face the radiation image detector 30.

The radiation generator 16 includes a radiation source 24 or X-raysource, a source driver 25 and a radiation switch 26. The radiationsource 24 applies radiation or X-rays to the animal body P on thepatient table 22. The source driver 25 controls the radiation source 24.Signal cables 27 a and 27 b are extended into the base portion 19 andthe stand 20, and used to connect the radiation source 24 and theradiation switch 26 to the source driver 25.

The radiation source 24 is supported on an upper portion of the stand 20and opposed to the patient table 22. The radiation source 24 includes anX-ray tube 24 a and a collimator 24 b. The X-ray tube 24 a emits X-raysX as radiation. The collimator 24 b limits a radiation field ofradiation from the X-ray tube 24 a.

The source driver 25 generates a control signal according to an imagingcondition and controls the radiation source 24 by use of the controlsignal. Values in the imaging condition are a tube voltage, tubecurrent, irradiation time and the like. The tube voltage determinesenergy spectrum of the radiation. The tube current determines dose ofthe radiation per unit time. The irradiation time is time of continuingthe irradiation of the radiation. The control signal is transmitted bythe signal cable 27 a to the radiation source 24. A control panel 25 ais disposed in the source driver 25 for setting the imaging condition.The control panel 25 a includes plural buttons and a display panel. Thebuttons are used for setting the imaging condition. The display paneldisplays the imaging condition. The source driver 25 is disposed in thestand 20. The control panel 25 a appears externally through the frontside of the stand 20. The source driver 25 is disposed between thepatient table 22 and the radiation source 24 for the veterinarian totouch the control panel 25 a while he or she keeps the animal body Pplaced on the patient table 22.

The radiation switch 26 is a foot pedal type of switch. A veterinarian Dor operator can depress the radiation switch 26 with his or her footwhile he or she holds the animal body P on the patient table 22 withboth hands. The radiation switch 26 generates a start signal forstarting the radiation source 24 to emit radiation. The start signal ofthe radiation switch 26 is input to the source driver 25 through thesignal cable 27 b.

The source driver 25 controls the radiation source 24 according to asignal from the radiation switch 26. In case a start signal is receivedfrom the radiation switch 26, the source driver 25 starts supplying theradiation source 24 with power, to drive the radiation source 24 to emitradiation. At the same time as the start, the source driver 25 starts atimer to measure irradiation time or elapsed time. In case the elapsedtime becomes as long as a predetermined duration according to theimaging condition, the irradiation of the radiation is stopped. Theirradiation time of the radiation is changeable according to anirradiation condition. In the source driver 25, longest tolerable timefor safety of the irradiation is predetermined. The irradiation timeaccording to the irradiation condition is set within a range of thelongest tolerable time.

The radiographic imaging device 17 includes the radiation image detector30 and the portable console device 31 for veterinary use. The radiationimage detector 30 detects a radiation image. The portable console device31 is a user terminal device in connection with the radiation imagedetector 30, for acquiring and displaying the radiation image. Aportable housing 38 in FIG. 3 is included in the radiation imagedetector 30, and has a flat shape with a small thickness in aquadrilateral shape. The housing 38 is in a form according to theInternational Standards ISO 4090:2001 for a film cassette of IP cassette(imaging plate cassette). The radiation image detector 30 is generallyreferred to as an electronic cassette. A sensor panel 37 in FIG. 3 iscontained in the housing 38, and converts radiation transmitted throughthe animal body P into an electric signal, to detect the radiationimage.

A signal cable 27 c in the stand device 15 connects the radiation imagedetector 30 to the source driver 25. The radiation image detector 30receives the imaging condition and sync signals from the source driver25 through the signal cable 27 c. The imaging condition is utilized forsetting a condition of the signal processing in the sensor panel 37 atthe time of detecting a radiation image. The sync signals include astart flag signal for notifying a start of irradiation of the radiationsource 24, and an end flag signal for notifying an end of theirradiation. The sensor panel 37 starts detecting of the radiation imagein response to the start flag signal, and ends the detection of theradiation image in response to the end flag signal. The radiation imagedetector 30 transmits the detected radiation image to the portableconsole device 31.

The portable console device 31 is constituted by a tablet terminaldevice. A touchscreen display unit 31 a or touchscreen interface (touchpanel) is disposed in a front wall of the portable console device 31 fordisplay and touch operation. The touchscreen display unit 31 acorresponds to a display unit of the invention. The portable consoledevice 31 is connected to the radiation image detector 30 and thecommunication network 13 in a communicable manner by radiocommunication. The portable console device 31 has a small size, smallweight and high portability remarkably in comparison with a desktop typeof console device being available widely. It is possible for aveterinarian or operator to carry the portable console device 31 in aveterinary clinic and operate the portable console device 31 easily withhis or her hands.

In FIG. 2, the portable console device 31 may be oriented in an erectposture at a distance from the veterinarian D or operator, typically incase he or she keeps the animal body P placed on the patient table 22for radiographic imaging. In the drawing, the portable console device 31is leaned on the patient table 22 for positioning. However, the portableconsole device 31 can be positioned on a support plate or the like nearto the stand device 15, for example, in case the animal body P is verylikely to move abruptly, in case the portable console device 31 may bemade dirty by body liquid or the like from the animal.

The portable console device 31 is operable in two operation modesincluding an image browsing mode and an image viewing mode. In the imagebrowsing mode, images are read out and browsed. In the image viewingmode, radiation images of past image browsing are viewed. The portableconsole device 31 is set in a selected one of the image browsing modeand image viewing mode, and used for the image browsing or viewingradiation images.

The portable console device 31 set in the image browsing mode receivesan input of a body ID for identifying the animal body P and receivesregistration of a user menu option for retrieving a radiation image. Thebody ID and the user menu option are displayed on the touchscreendisplay unit 31 a. As information with relevancy to the imaging of theradiation image in registering the user menu option, animal typeinformation and imaging information is set in relation to the animalbody P and the imaging. The animal type information includes informationof animal types such as a dog, cat, bird, reptile and the like, andinformation of size of the animal body. The imaging information includesinformation of body parts such as a thorax, abdomen and head, andinformation of imaging directions such as front, lateral and diagonaldirections. The animal type information and imaging information istransmitted to the radiation image detector 30, and utilized forcondition setting of the signal processing described above. Theradiation image detector 30 after the condition setting transmits aready signal to the portable console device 31 to inform a ready stateafter preparation. Thus, a veterinarian D or operator at the portableconsole device 31 can find the ready state of the radiation imagedetector 30.

The portable console device 31 in the image browsing mode receives aradiation image from the radiation image detector 30, and drives thetouchscreen display unit 31 a to display the radiation image. After theimage browsing, the radiation image is transmitted from the portableconsole device 31 to the image server 12.

The portable console device 31 in the image browsing mode is also usedfor photographing an optical image of the animal body P. The touchscreendisplay unit 31 a displays a check menu option for retrieving theoptical image. Also, the formed optical image of the animal body P isdisplayed on the touchscreen display unit 31 a. For example, the opticalimage of the animal body P is photographed in the examination roomshortly before the start of the image browsing. After obtaining theoptical image, the portable console device 31 is carried by theveterinarian D or operator to the animal owner waiting outside theexamination room, to show him or her the optical image of the animalbody P on the portable console device 31. This, is effective inpreventing misidentification of the animal of the animal body P even inpresence of the other animals. The animal body P can be identified asreliably as for a human patient in the human medicine.

Also, the veterinarian D can compare and check the optical image on theportable console device 31 with the animal body P before radiographicimaging. Errors in identifying the animal body P can be preventedreliably in comparison with the use of only the body ID. Also, theoptical image of the animal body P remains displayed on the same displayeven while the veterinarian D shows the radiation image on the portableconsole device 31 to the animal owner and explains the progress. Thus,the animal owner can confirm the identity of the animal body P of his orher animal in relation to the radiation image. Furthermore, theveterinarian D can check and review the progress of the animal body P,because the optical image of the animal body P is displayed even whileradiation images of the past image browsing are viewed in the imageviewing mode.

The optical image of the animal body P can have such a form that aportion of the animal body P with visual distinction appears in an imagearea of the optical image. For example, a face image of the animal bodyP is photographed assuming that the animal body P is distinguished byits face. A skin hair image or surface pattern image of the animal bodyP is photographed assuming that the animal body P is distinguished byits skin hair or surface pattern. The optical image of the animal body Pis transmitted to the image server 12 together with the radiation image.

The portable console device 31 set in the image viewing mode sends arequest of image distribution to the image server 12. Then the portableconsole device 31 receives past radiation images and past optical imagesfrom the image server 12 upon transmission of the distribution request.The radiation images and optical images being received are ready to bedisplayed on the touchscreen display unit 31 a.

The image server 12 is a server for managing the radiation image andoptical image from the portable console device 31. The image server 12is installed in the veterinary clinic in the embodiment, but may bedisposed in a data center or information center in a site separate fromthe veterinary clinic. The image server 12 includes a radiation imagedatabase 33 (DB) as a radiation image storage medium, and an opticalimage database 34 (DB) as an optical image storage medium. The radiationimage database 33 stores radiation images. The optical image databasestores optical images. The image server 12 writes the radiation imageand optical image to respectively the image databases 33 and 34 uponreceiving those from the portable console device 31. Also, the imageserver 12 performs search in the image databases 33 and 34 in responseto a request of distribution from the portable console device 31 in theimage viewing mode, and transmits the searched radiation image andoptical image to the portable console device 31.

In FIG. 3, the radiation image detector 30 includes the sensor panel 37and the housing 38 for containing the sensor panel 37. An imagingsurface 38 a is a front surface of the housing 38 and receivesradiation. A back surface 38 b is opposite to the imaging surface 38 ain the housing 38. The imaging surface 38 a and the back surface 38 bare in a shape of a rectangular quadrilateral. A radio-transparent plate39 is included in the housing 38 to constitute the imaging surface 38 a,and transmits radiation or X-rays.

The sensor panel 37 is an indirect conversion type having a scintillatorand a photoconductor (not shown). The scintillator converts radiationinto visible light. The photoconductor converts the visible light intoan electric signal. An example of the photoconductor is a TFT activematrix board, and has an imaging area having plural pixels arranged in atwo-dimensional manner for storing charge according to dose of incidentradiation. Each pixel is constituted by a photo diode and a TFT. Anexample of the scintillator is phosphor such as cesium iodide, and isopposed to the entire surface of the imaging area.

The housing 38 contains various elements in addition to the sensor panel37, inclusive of a control circuit board, communication control unit,battery (not shown) and the like. The control circuit board includes agate driver, readout circuit, A/D converter, memory and the like. Thegate driver drives photoconductors in the sensor panel 37. The readoutcircuit reads out an image signal from the photoconductors. The A/Dconverter converts the read image signal into digital data of aradiation image. The memory stores the radiation image. Thecommunication control unit has a radio communication interface for radiocommunication with the portable console device 31. The battery suppliesthe sensor panel 37 and the other elements with power. The radiationimage detector 30 is a wireless type having the radio communicationcircuit, and can be easily handled because of unnecessity of a powercable by use of the battery.

In FIG. 4, the radiation image database 33 stores plural diagnostic dataincluding at least one radiation image formed by the radiographicimaging system 11. A body ID for the animal body P is assigned to theradiation image, and can be used for searching the radiation image. Inthe diagnostic imaging, plural radiation images may be formed by imagingthe animal body for plural body parts or in plural imaging direction inone event of the imaging. A case ID is assigned to the set of the pluralradiation images of the one imaging event, to manage the radiationimages together. In the diagnostic data, the radiation images aremanaged per the date and time of the diagnostic imaging. Also, attributeinformation is assigned to each of the radiation images. Data in theattribute information include animal type information and imaginginformation determined upon registering the user menu option.

In FIG. 5, the optical image database 34 stores body image dataincluding optical images of the animal body P. The optical images areassigned with body IDs, with which the optical images can be searched.Assuming that it is difficult to identify the animal body P by use ofthe optical images, it is possible to record a plurality of opticalimages in one event of imaging. Also, optical images are utilized notonly for identifying the animal body P but also for recording a progressnote of injury, a state of skin, or the like. To this end, pluraloptical images may be recorded at one event of imaging. Plural opticalimages obtained in the imaging of one event are assigned with a singlecase ID and managed as optical images of one case. Also, optical imagesin body image data are managed for a date and time of performing thediagnostic imaging.

In FIG. 6, the portable console device 31 is used in a state ofhorizontally extending the touchscreen display unit 31 a of aquadrilateral form, or vertically extending the same. An optical cameraunit 31 b or optical image forming unit is disposed in a back surface ofthe portable console device 31 for photographing the animal body P toform an optical image. A user page 56 or browse page (input screen) isdisplayed on the touchscreen display unit 31 a for the image browsing.The user page 56 includes a sample window area 59 or list display area,which displays a user menu option 62 or radiation image retrieving menuoption, a check menu option 61 or optical image retrieving menu option,and the like in a list form. The user menu option 62 includes a displayarea 62 a and attribute information 62 b or alphanumeric information.The display area 62 a extends horizontally in a form of a rectangularquadrilateral. The attribute information 62 b is displayed in thedisplay area 62 a and represents the animal type information and imaginginformation. The display area 62 a is an active input area (active toucharea) to respond to manual touch.

The tablet terminal device as a basis of the portable console device 31is a tablet terminal device of which the touchscreen display unit 31 ais in a size with a length (L) equal to or less than 260 mm and a width(S) equal to or less than 180 mm, namely in a screen size of 12 inchesor less. This is for the reason of easy handling in manually operatingthe portable console device 31 while the animal body P is set suitably,and handlability in carrying the portable console device 31 in order toshow optical images or radiation images of the animal body P to itsanimal owner. Note that the touchscreen display unit 31 a should have asufficiently large size for the purpose of ensuring operability of theuser page 56 and recognition of radiation images. The size of thetouchscreen display unit 31 a preferably can be equal to or more than 7inches.

The portable console device 31 is used not only while held manually by ahand but also while placed distantly from the veterinarian D. While theportable console device 31 is placed distantly, visual recognition ofthe portable console device 31 to the veterinarian D may be considerablypoor assuming that a size of the attribute information 62 b on thetouchscreen display unit 31 a is small. In the portable console device31 of the present embodiment, each of the height T1 and width T2 of theattribute information 62 b in the menu are set equal to or more than 5mm. Should the height T1 and width T2 of the attribute information 62 bbe too large, an area for displaying a radiation image or optical imageof the animal body P will be too small. Thus, each of the height T1 andwidth T2 of the attribute information 62 b in the menu can be preferablyset equal to or less than 20 mm.

Note that the height T1 and width T2 of the attribute information 62 bare determined by an experiment of recognition. The experiment ofrecognition was conducted. To this end, specifically, the portableconsole device 31 was positioned at a point distant from a human subjectwith a predetermined distance. Samples of the attribute information 62 bwith differences in the height T1 and width T2 were displayed one afteranther, to measure recognition of the human subject at each one of sizesof letters in the samples. An example of the distance between the humansubject and the portable console device 31 was set from a maximumdistance of the portable console device 31 from a veterinarian D, forexample, 1 meter. As a result of the experiment of the recognition,recognizable sizes of the attribute information 62 b were found as eachof the height T1 and width T2 equal to or more than 5 mm.

As the touchscreen display unit 31 a of the portable console device 31is operated by manual touch of a finger or the like, errors in operationare likely to occur assuming that an active input area of thetouchscreen display unit 31 a is excessively small. In the presentembodiment, a height H and width W of the display area 62 a or activeinput area in the user menu option 62 are set respectively equal to ormore than 13 mm.

The portable console device 31 is on the basis of a tablet terminaldevice having the touchscreen display unit 31 a with a size equal to orless than 12 inches, and is constituted by installing a control program,such as an operating system (OS), an application program, and the like.In FIG. 7, the portable console device 31 includes the touchscreendisplay unit 31 a, a console housing, the optical camera unit 31 b, aCPU 31 c, a memory 31 d, a storage medium 31 e or storage device, anaudio interface 31 k or speaker/microphone for inputs and outputs, and aradio communication interface 31 f. A data bus 31 g interconnects thetouchscreen display unit 31 a, the optical camera unit 31 b, the CPU 31c, the memory 31 d, the storage medium 31 e, the audio interface 31 kand the radio communication interface 31 f.

The touchscreen display unit 31 a includes a liquid crystal displaypanel 31 h (LCD) and a touch sensor 31 i for detecting touch on theliquid crystal display panel 31 h. The portable console device 31receives inputs of manual operation by detecting touch on the liquidcrystal display panel 31 h with the touch sensor 31 i. The opticalcamera unit 31 b is previously incorporated in the tablet terminaldevice as a basis, and includes a taking lens and an image sensor (notshown) for forming an image focused by the taking lens.

The storage medium 31 e is a device for storing various data, forexample, a non-volatile memory. The storage medium 31 e stores thecontrol program (not shown) described above, and a computer-executableprogram 31 j or portable console program. The computer-executableprogram 31 j is an application program for the tablet terminal device tofunction as the portable console device 31. Also, the storage medium 31e stores radiation images received from the radiation image detector 30or the image server 12, and optical images acquired by the opticalcamera unit 31 b.

The memory 31 d is a working memory with which the CPU 31 c performstasks. The CPU 31 c loads the memory 31 d with the control program andthe computer-executable program 31 j read from the storage medium 31 e,and controls various elements in the tablet terminal device by runningthe programs and performing the tasks. The audio interface 31 k forinputs and outputs processes input and output audio data. To outputaudio data, a speaker (not shown) is used to output sound or voice. Theradio communication interface 31 f is an interface for wirelessconnection to the communication network 13 and to the radiation imagedetector 30.

In FIG. 8, the CPU 31 c is caused to have various elements upon runningthe computer-executable program 31 j in the portable console device 31,the various elements including a display controller 42, a mode setter43, an ID input unit 44, a registration unit 45 or selection unit, anoptical image retrieving unit 46 or optical image acquisition unit, aradiation image retrieving unit 47 or radiation image acquisition unit,an exclusion processing unit 48 or turn-off processing unit, a trimmingunit 49 and a comment processing unit 50. The display controller 42 inresponse to operation of the portable console device 31 creates variouspages (screen views) inclusive of a main page or mode setting page (homescreen), the user page 56, a view page or image page (viewer screen),and the like, which are displayed on the touchscreen display unit 31 a.The mode setter 43 sets one of an image browsing mode and image viewingmode for an operation mode in response to the mode setting detected bythe touchscreen display unit 31 a.

The ID input unit 44 performs processing of ID reception to receive thebody ID for the animal body P in response to an input of ID detected bythe touchscreen display unit 31 a. The registration unit 45 processesmenu registration to register the user menu option according to an inputof the menu registration detected by the touchscreen display unit 31 a.The optical image retrieving unit 46 performs processing of opticalimage retrieval to retrieve the radiation image of the animal body Paccording to an input of the optical image retrieval detected by thetouchscreen display unit 31 a. The radiation image retrieving unit 47performs processing of radiation image retrieval to retrieve theradiation image according to an input of the radiation image retrievaldetected by the touchscreen display unit 31 a.

The exclusion processing unit 48 responds to a command signal of imageexclusion detected by the touchscreen display unit 31 a, and performsimage exclusion to set a formed radiation image as an excluded imagewithout use for image browsing. The trimming unit 49 responds to acommand signal of trimming detected by the touchscreen display unit 31a, and performs trimming to extract a predetermined area within theradiation image. The comment processing unit 50 responds to a commandsignal of comment detected by the touchscreen display unit 31 a, andperforms comment processing to add the comment to the radiation image.

In FIG. 9, the portable console device 31 performs a task of the modesetting (S10) for setting an operation mode. In case the image browsingmode is set in the mode setting, the ID reception (S11), the menuregistration (S12), the optical image retrieval (S13) and the radiationimage retrieval (S14) are performed sequentially. In the ID reception,the body ID is received. In the menu registration, a user menu optionfor radiation image retrieval is registered. In the optical imageretrieval, an optical image of the animal body P is retrieved. In theradiation image retrieval, a radiation image of the animal body P isretrieved. The display controller 42 processes the display screenaccording to results of the tasks, and drives the touchscreen displayunit 31 a to display the display screen. Note that the menu registration(S12) may be performed after the optical image retrieval (S13) accordingto a sequence of manual input of the veterinarian D. In case the imageviewing mode is set in the mode setting, the ID reception (S15), and theradiation image retrieval (S16) and the optical image retrieval (S17)from the image server 12 can be performed in this sequence. Each ofthose steps includes display processing for driving the touchscreendisplay unit 31 a to display one of various items, such as the receivedbody ID, the registered user menu option, and the retrieved opticalimage or radiation image.

In FIG. 10, a main page 51 or mode setting screen is displayed on thetouchscreen display unit 31 a by the display controller 42 in a modesetting step in a form of GUI (graphical user interface) for manualoperation. A veterinarian D or operator touches the touchscreen displayunit 31 a with fingers or the like to operate the main page 51 and otherscreen view. The main page 51 includes an image browsing button 52, animage viewing button 53 and an end button 54. The image browsing button52 changes over the portable console device 31 to the image browsingmode. The image viewing button 53 changes over the portable consoledevice 31 to the image viewing mode. The end button 54 terminates thecomputer-executable program 31 j. The mode setter 43 sets the operationmode of the portable console device 31 according to mode setting of themain page 51.

Changing over the portable console device 31 to the image browsing modeby use of the image browsing button 52 changes over the touchscreendisplay unit 31 a from the main page 51 to the user page 56 for theimage browsing as illustrated in FIG. 11. The user page 56 includes anID input area 57, a status display area 58, the sample window area 59and an end button area 60 in a downward sequence in the drawing.

An ID input field 68 is disposed in the ID input area 57 for inputtingID information. The ID input field 68 upon being touched is changed overfor a state of receiving an input of the body ID. A cursor movabletogether with alphanumeric information of input letters is indicated inthe ID input field 68. Also, a software keyboard (not shown) isdisplayed in a lower portion of the user page 56 for inputting the bodyID, for example, in a portion overlapping with the sample window area59. In case a body ID with alphanumeric information of letters of apredetermined number is input, the ID input field 68 is changed overfrom a receiving state to an indication state, and indicates the inputbody ID. The ID input unit 44 for processing ID reception receives thebody ID input by the ID input field 68.

In a veterinary clinic having an electronic medical chart system, theradiography system architecture 10 is connected to the electronicmedical chart system so that a body ID can be acquired from theelectronic medical chart system. However, an ordinary type of veterinaryclinic uses medical charts of paper documents for recording and managingdiagnostic information of an animal body P without introducing anelectronic medical chart system. Thus, the ID input field 68 is providedin the present embodiment for manually inputting body IDs for use in anordinary veterinary clinic without having an electronic medical chartsystem. Note that manual operation for inputting body IDs is likely tobe wrong incidentally with human operation. However, the ID input field68 in the user page 56 displays an input body ID continuously, so that aveterinarian can be aware of his or her error upon incidental occurrenceafter a body ID is input. Also, an optical image according to the inputbody ID is displayed in the user page 56. Errors in inputting a body IDcan be discovered easily, because the optical image can be used for aconfirmation image for the body ID.

The status display area 58 displays a message according to a status ofthe sample window area 59. For example, the status display area 58displays a message of “REGISTER MENU” (select) assuming that the usermenu option is not registered in the sample window area 59, or assumingthat imaging of radiation images according to the user menu optionregistered in the sample window area 59 has been completed. Also, thestatus display area 58 displays a message of “IMAGING IS READY” assumingthat the user menu option before imaging is displayed in the samplewindow area 59 and assuming that a ready signal according to the usermenu option is received from the radiation image detector 30.

The sample window area 59 displays the check menu option 61, the usermenu option 62 and a user menu option 63 or radiation image retrievingmenu option in a list form, the check menu option 61 being for retrievalof an optical image of the animal body P. Also, the sample window area59 displays an optical image 64 (identification image) of the animalbody P retrieved by use of the check menu option 61, and radiationimages 65 and 66 of the animal body P retrieved by use of the user menuoptions 62 and 63. Only the check menu option 61 becomes displayed inthe sample window area 59 immediately after changeover to the imagebrowsing mode. The user menu options 62 and 63 are displayed in thesample window area 59 in the progress of the menu registration. Theoptical image 64 and the radiation images 65 and 66 are additionallydisplayed in the sample window area 59 in the progress of the opticalimage retrieval and radiation image retrieval.

Consequently, it is possible at one glance for the veterinarian D torecognize the progress of the image browsing inclusive of completedsteps, in combined appearance of the check menu option 61, the user menuoptions 62 and 63, the optical image 64 and the radiation images 65 and66. Also, the check menu option 61 and the user menu option 62 or 63 canbe manually operated to start succeeding tasks immediately afterrecognizing the progress of the image browsing. Operability can beconsiderably increased by combining displayed forms of the images forthe progress of the image browsing and the menu options in the same userpage.

The check menu option 61 includes a display area 61 a and an indicatoricon 61 b. The display area 61 a is in a rectangular quadrilateral formand horizontally long. The indicator icon 61 b is displayed within thedisplay area 61 a. The display area 61 a is an active input area (activetouch area) to respond to manual touch in the check menu option 61. Aform of the indicator icon 61 b is a figure in which optical imaging issymbolized. In the example depicted in FIG. 6, the indicator icon 61 bis in a symbolized form of a camera. Note that the “OPTICAL IMAGERETRIEVING MENU” or other alphanumeric information can be displayed inthe display area 61 a instead of the indicator icon 61 b.

Optical image retrieval is started in response to operating the checkmenu option 61. The display controller 42 changes over the touchscreendisplay unit 31 a from the user page 56 to a live camera view (liveimage view, not shown) for photographing an optical image of the animalbody P. The optical camera unit 31 b is started up by the optical imageretrieving unit 46 to start photographing a live image of the animalbody P. The live camera view displays the live image (live camera view)of the animal body P photographed by the optical camera unit 31 b. Thelive image is an image or moving image on the display before depressinga shutter button for photographing so as to check an angle ofphotography or object to be photographed, without recording to arecording medium or the like. The live image as moving image isdisplayed in the live camera view.

A shutter button is disposed in the live camera view for taking anoptical image of the animal body P. In case the shutter button isdepressed in the live camera view, the optical camera unit 31 b startsphotographing the optical image of the animal body P. The displaycontroller 42 changes over the touchscreen display unit 31 a from thelive camera view to the user page 56. Also, the display controller 42creates the optical image 64 in a smaller size from the optical image.The optical image 64 of a reduced size is displayed in the sample windowarea 59 in such a manner that at least one portion of the animal body Pwith visual distinction is not overlapped with the check menu option 61.Thus, the check menu option 61 and the like can be displayed in thesample window area 59 with improved recognition by reduction of thedisplay size of the optical image 64 in the sample window area 59. InFIG. 6, the sample window area 59 has a sufficient space. The opticalimage 64 is displayed in the same size as the check menu option 61without overlap with the check menu option 61.

The user menu options 62 and 63 respectively have the display area 62 aand a display area 63 a extending in a horizontally longitudinalquadrilateral form. Also, the display areas 62 a and 63 a are activetouch areas (active input areas) in the user menu options 62 and 63. Theattribute information 62 b and attribute information 63 b oralphanumeric information is indicated in the display areas 62 a and 63 afor expressing the selected animal type, body part and imaging directionset upon the registration. In FIG. 6, an imaging icon 67 or indicatoricon is displayed in one of the user menu options 62 and 63 in which aradiation image will be formed next. In the example depicted in thedrawing, an example of the imaging icon 67 is in a symbolized form of aradiation source.

The display controller 42, upon receiving a radiation image from theradiation image detector 30 according to the user menu options 62 and63, the radiation images 65 and 66 of a reduced size are produced fromthe received radiation image. The radiation images 65 and 66 aredisplayed in an at least partially overlapped manner with the user menuoptions 62 and 63. Thus, a display size of the radiation images 65 and66 in the sample window area 59 is reduced. The user menu option 62 andthe like can be displayed in the sample window area 59 with improvedrecognition. In FIG. 6, the display areas 62 a and 63 a have asufficient space in the user menu options 62 and 63, so the radiationimages 65 and 66 being displayed are contained in the display areas 62 aand 63 a.

In the end button area 60, an end button 69 is displayed for indicatingan end of the image browsing. Upon completion of imaging of radiationimages in relation to the user menu options 62 and 63 displayed in thesample window area 59, the end button 69 becomes displayed in the endbutton area 60. Depression of the end button 69 causes the portableconsole device 31 to transmit radiation images of the animal body P fromthe radiation image detector 30 and formed optical images to the imageserver 12. Also, the portable console device 31 ends the image browsingmode and returns to the mode setting. The touchscreen display unit 31 adisplays the main page 51 of FIG. 10.

A selection button 70 or menu registration button in the ID input area57 is used for menu registration. In FIG. 12, an animal type list 72 isdisplayed upon operating the selection button 70 in a selectable mannerand in a state overlapped with the user page 56. Examples of informationin the animal type list 72 are “LARGE” for a large dog or the like,“MEDIUM” for a medium size dog or the like, and “SMALL” for a small dog,cat or the like. In case any one of the types of the animals is selectedin the animal type list 72, a body part list 73 is displayed in aselectable manner in place of the animal type list 72. The body partlist 73 indicates examples of body parts in a list form, inclusive of“THORAX”, “ABDOMEN” and “HEAD”.

In case any one of the body parts is selected in the body part list 73,an imaging direction list 74 is displayed in a selectable manner inplace of the body part list 73. The imaging direction list 74 indicatesexamples of imaging directions in a list form, inclusive of “FRONT”,“LATERAL” and “DIAGONAL”. In the example in FIG. 12, the options of“LARGE”, “THORAX” and “FRONT” are selected in the animal type list 72,the body part list 73 and the imaging direction list 74. Color ofselected background portions of the animal type list 72, the body partlist 73 and the imaging direction list 74 is changed, to clarify theselected background portion to the veterinarian D.

Upon selecting one of imaging directions from the imaging direction list74, the user menu option 62 or 63 according to the selected animal type,body part and imaging direction is registered in the portable consoledevice 31. Note that the menu registration can be performed in a methodother than described above. It is possible to register a menu option byoperating the selection button 70 in one of various screen views afteropening the screen view upon touching one of various setting buttons(not shown) disposed in the ID input area 57.

In FIG. 11, the selected animal type, body part and imaging directionare added to the registered user menu option 62 or 63 as animal typeinformation and imaging information. The user menu options 62 and 63being registered are displayed in the sample window area 59 in a mannervisible simultaneously, as described heretofore. The attributeinformation 62 b and 63 b expresses the selected animal type, body partand imaging direction set upon the registration. For example, the usermenu option 62 is registered according to the animal type list 72, thebody part list 73 and the imaging direction list 74 in FIG. 12. Lettersof “LARGE”, “THORAX” and “FRONT” are displayed in the display area 62 aaccording to the animal type, body part and imaging direction set at thetime of the registration.

In the processing of the radiation image retrieval, the portable consoledevice 31 transmits animal type information and imaging information tothe radiation image detector 30 according to a sequence of registeringthe user menu options 62 and 63. In case condition setting of the signalprocessing is terminated in the radiation image detector 30 according tothe animal type information and imaging information, the portableconsole device 31 receives a ready signal from the radiation imagedetector 30. The display controller 42 upon receiving the ready signalcauses the status display area 58 to display a message of “IMAGING ISREADY”.

Radiographic imaging is performed according to the sequence of theregistration of the user menu options 62 and 63. However, a sequence ofthe imaging can be changed by selecting the user menu option 62 or 63 onthe user page 56. For example, the user menu option 63 is selected by atouch while the imaging with the user menu option 62 is ready. Theimaging icon 67 in the user menu option 62 is deleted. The imaging icon67 is displayed in the user menu option 63 instead. Also, the animaltype information and imaging information of the user menu option 63 istransmitted to the radiation image detector 30, to perform conditionsetting of signal processing prior to the imaging.

The number of the user menu options 62 and 63 registered in the portableconsole device 31 is not limited to two. One or three or more of theuser menu options can be registered, for example, according to thenumber of plural radiation images created at one event of the imagebrowsing. Assuming that the sample window area 59 cannot display all ofthe plural user menu options simultaneously, then the sample window area59 is set in a scrollable form, for a user to view all of the pluraluser menu options by scrolling.

In case the user menu option 62 or 63 in the user page 56 is touchedcontinuously at least for a predetermined period, namely, by long press,then the display controller 42 changes over the touchscreen display unit31 a from the user page 56 to a view page 77 or image screen asillustrated in FIG. 13. Also, upon receiving the radiation image fromthe radiation image detector 30, the view page 77 is changed over fromthe user page 56. The view page 77 is used for retrieval of radiationimages and aid in explaining radiation images to an animal owner, andincludes an image display area 78 for a radiation image, and windowareas 79 and 80 disposed higher than the image display area 78 forindicating a body ID and status information. Assuming that the user menuoption 62 or 63 before imaging is touched by long press for changeoverto the view page 77, the image display area 78 does not display anyitem. However, assuming that a radiation image is received, or assumingthat the user menu option 62 or 63 after imaging is touched by longpress, then the image display area 78 displays a received radiationimage 65A.

Also, the display controller 42 performs display processing of asucceeding user menu option among plural user menu options in the imagedisplay area 78 upon lapse of predetermined waiting time of displayafter the radiation image 65A becomes displayed on the image displayarea 78. The succeeding user menu option is a menu related to asucceeding radiation image next to the radiation image 65A currentlydisplayed in the image display area 78. In FIG. 14, a succeeding usermenu option 82 or second radiation image retrieving menu option includesa frame line 82 a, attribute information 82 b or alphanumericinformation, and an imaging icon 82 c or indicator icon. The frame line82 a divides the display area. The attribute information 82 b representsan animal type, body part and imaging direction of a succeedingradiation image. Note that the imaging icon 82 c may be omitted. Graphicrepresentations of any type can be used for expressing an animal type,body part and imaging direction for the purpose of visual information.Also, the waiting time may be not predetermined, but can be changeablein a dynamically changing manner.

The succeeding user menu option 82 is displayed in an overlapped mannerwith a blank margin portion of the radiation image 65A. The blank marginportion is a pass-through area 65B where radiation is directly detectedby the radiation image detector 30. In FIG. 14, the radiation image 65Ais displayed in the image display area 78 after imaging according to theuser menu option 62. In the succeeding user menu option 82, menu itemscorresponding to the user menu option 63 are displayed. The succeedinguser menu option 82 is disposed in an upper right portion of theradiation image 65A.

Upon imaging according to the succeeding user menu option 82, the imagedisplay area 78 displays a radiation image 66A formed according to thesucceeding user menu option 82 as illustrated in FIG. 15. Note that theimaging of the succeeding user menu option 82 can be performed while theview page 77 is displayed or after changeover from the view page 77 tothe user page 56. However, it is preferable to perform the imaging withthe view page 77 assuming that imaging of plural radiation images isdesired from a position distant from the veterinarian D or operator andwith changes in the posture of the animal body P between events ofimaging. It is possible by use of the view page 77 to check theradiation image even from a distant position, as the radiation imagebecomes displayed in a large size. Also, a succeeding radiation imagecan be previewed without leaving hands from the animal body P, becausethe succeeding user menu option 82 is displayed in the view page 77.Consecutive imaging is possible without manually touching the portableconsole device 31.

In case a flicking action on the image display area 78 is performed bytouch of a finger moving quickly, the display controller 42 changes overthe radiation image on the image display area 78. For example, uponflicking on the image display area 78 to a left side, a past radiationimage acquired formerly before the displayed present radiation image isdisplayed in the image display area 78. Also, upon flicking on the imagedisplay area 78 to a right side, a new radiation image acquired afterthe displayed radiation image is displayed in the image display area 78.

Also, performing a flicking action to the succeeding user menu option 82can change a sequence of imaging of radiation images by changing overuser menus in the image display area 78. For example, the succeedinguser menu option 82 can be flicked while imaging of the succeeding usermenu option 82 is set ready. Then the succeeding user menu option 82 isdeleted. Still another user menu option for planned subsequent imagingis displayed as a new user menu option in an overlapped manner with theradiation image 65A.

Upon occurrence of an action of pinch-in of decreasing a distancebetween two fingers touching the image display area 78, or action ofpinch-out of increasing the distance between two fingers touching theimage display area 78, the display controller 42 performs displayprocessing of reduction or enlargement of a displayed radiation image.Upon occurrence of an action of swiping of horizontally shifting afinger touching the image display area 78 or an action of swiping ofvertically shifting a finger touching the image display area 78, thedisplay controller 42 performs display processing of adjusting densityor contrast of a displayed radiation image. For example, the density isadjusted upon swiping action in a vertical direction, and the contrastis adjusted upon swiping action in a horizontal direction. Note thatthose types of the swiping action can be allocated to the adjustment inthe opposite manner.

Upon touching the image display area 78 in the view page 77, variousbuttons become displayed under the image display area 78, including achangeover button 84 a, an exclusion button 84 b or turn-off button, atrimming button 84 c, a comment button 84 d and an end button 84 e. Thechangeover button 84 a is operated to change over the view page 77 tothe user page 56. Upon operating the changeover button 84 a, the displaycontroller 42 changes over the touchscreen display unit 31 a from theview page 77 to the user page 56.

The exclusion button 84 b is used for setting a radiation image as anexcluded image without use for image browsing. Upon operating theexclusion button 84 b, a radiation image displayed in the image displayarea 78 is set as an excluded image. In the user page 56 in FIG. 16, twodiagonal lines 63 d (cancel lines) are displayed in the user menu option63 for the radiation image set as the excluded image for recognition asthe excluded image. A user menu option 86 or radiation image retrievingmenu option for re-imaging is automatically registered with the sameanimal type information and imaging information as the excluded image,and is displayed in the sample window area 59. The animal typeinformation and imaging information of the user menu option 86 istransmitted from the portable console device 31 to the radiation imagedetector 30, so that re-imaging of the excluded image can be performedeasily.

The trimming button 84 c is used for trimming of a radiation image. Upondepressing the trimming button 84 c, a quadrilateral trimming frame (notshown) is indicated in the image display area 78. A position and size ofthe trimming frame is adjusted, to input a command signal for trimming,so that information of a partial image in the trimming frame is stored.The comment button 84 d is used for adding comment to the radiationimage. Upon depressing the comment button 84 d, a comment screen viewand a software keyboard are displayed to overlap with the view page 77,the software keyboard being for inputting comment into the commentscreen view. The input comment in the comment screen view is recorded asmetadata of the radiation image. The end button 84 e is used forinstructing termination of image browsing in a manner similar to the endbutton 69 described above. Upon depressing the end button 84 e, theportable console device 31 transmits the radiation image and opticalimages of the animal body P to the image server 12, and stores the samein the image server 12. In the user page 56, the body ID is deleted, toenable image browsing of next animal body.

Upon selecting the image viewing mode in the main page 51, receiving theID is processed in the same manner as the image browsing mode. Then theoptical image retrieving unit 46 and the radiation image retrieving unit47 retrieve a radiation image and optical image from the image server 12in correspondence with the body ID. The display controller 42 displays areview page (not shown) or tracking page on the touchscreen display unit31 a substantially in the same form as the user page 56. In the reviewpage, the optical image is displayed without overlapping with the checkmenu option (optical image retrieving menu option). The radiation imageis displayed with at least one portion overlapped with the user menuoption. Upon selection of the radiation image in the review page, thetouchscreen display unit 31 a is changed over from the review page to aview page (not shown) substantially in the same form as the view page77. The selected radiation image is displayed in a large size. Thus,past radiation images can be viewed.

A flow chart in FIG. 17 is referred to now to describe radiation imageretrieval. The radiation image retrieving unit 47 transmits the animaltype information and imaging information to the radiation image detector30 in a sequence of registration or a changed sequence of imaging in thestep S20, the animal type information and imaging information beingregistered in the sample window area 59 for a plurality of the user menuoptions 62 and 63. The radiation image detector 30 sets a condition ofsignal processing according to the animal type information and imaginginformation received from the portable console device 31 and the imagingcondition received from the source driver 25, and transmits a readysignal to the portable console device 31 after the condition setting.The display controller 42 upon receiving the ready signal in the stepS21 causes the user page 56 to display a message “IMAGING IS READY” inthe status display area 58.

The radiation source 24 emits radiation to the animal body P uponturning on the radiation switch 26 by the veterinarian D. The radiationimage detector 30 detects a radiation image. The radiation imagedetector 30 transmits the radiation image to the portable console device31. The display controller 42 upon receiving the radiation image in thestep S22, changes over the user page 56 to the view page 77, for theimage display area 78 to display the received radiation image in thestep S23. See FIG. 13.

After the radiation image becomes displayed in the image display area78, the display controller 42 measures elapsed time from a start of thedisplay, and checks whether predetermined waiting time for display haselapsed or not in the step S24. Assuming that the waiting time haselapsed (yes in the step S24), then the display controller 42 performsdisplay processing to display the succeeding user menu option 82 in anoverlapped manner with the radiation image 65A in the image display area78, in the step S25 as illustrated in FIG. 14. Then the step fordisplaying the succeeding user menu option is repeated until imagingaccording to all the registered user menu options in the user page 56 iscompleted, in the step S26.

As described heretofore, the succeeding user menu option 82 is displayedin an overlapped manner with the radiation image 65A after displayingthe radiation image 65A on the touchscreen display unit 31 a in theembodiment. Initially, only the radiation image 65 is displayed on thetouchscreen display unit 31 a. No reduction of a display size of theradiation image 65A is required. The radiation image 65A is not hiddenby other visual objects. Consequently, the radiation image 65A can bedisplayed with improved recognition. Furthermore, the succeeding usermenu option 82 is displayed after displaying the radiation image 65A, sothat a succeeding radiation image can be previewed without leaving handsfrom the animal body P. As the succeeding user menu option 82 isdisplayed in an overlapped manner with the radiation image 65A, both ofthe radiation image 65A and the succeeding user menu option 82 can bedisplayed simultaneously even without reducing their display sizes. Theradiation image 65A and the succeeding user menu option 82 can bevisually checked even from a point distant to the portable consoledevice 31, because the radiation image 65A and the succeeding user menuoption 82 can be displayed with improved recognition.

Also, the succeeding user menu option 82 is displayed in an overlappedmanner with the pass-through area 65B of the radiation image 65A. Theradiation image 65A is not hidden by the succeeding user menu option 82but appears visibly.

In the embodiment, the succeeding user menu option 82 is displayed uponthe lapse of waiting time of display after the radiation image 65Abecomes displayed. However, the user menu option 62 or 63 touched bylong press can be displayed by way of the succeeding user menu option 82for the image display area 78 before displaying a radiation image inresponse to changeover from the user page 56 to the view page 77 by thelong press of the user menu option 62 or 63 before imaging. See FIG. 18.It is therefore possible to view the succeeding user menu option evenimmediately after changeover from the user page 56 to the view page 77.

In the present embodiment, the succeeding user menu option 82 isdisplayed in an overlapped manner with the pass-through area 65B of theradiation image 65A. However, at least part of the succeeding user menuoption 82 or the entirety of the succeeding user menu option 82 can bedisplayed in an overlapped manner with the radiation image 65A. Afterthe lapse of the waiting time for displaying the radiation image 65A,the succeeding user menu option 82 becomes displayed. Even assuming thatthe entirety of the succeeding user menu option 82 is displayed in anoverlapped manner with the radiation image 65A, both of the radiationimage 65A and the succeeding user menu option 82 can be viewed andchecked safely. Furthermore, it is possible to change a shape, displayposition and other forms of the succeeding user menu option 82 forcontainment within the pass-through area 65B in compliance with the formof the pass-through area 65B.

In FIG. 19, an example of changing a direction of the radiation image65A is illustrated. The radiation image 65A is enlarged and displayed. Apass-through area 65C is formed in a smaller size than the pass-througharea 65B described above. The display controller 42 changes a displayform of the succeeding user menu option 82 into a vertically long formin consideration of the shape of the pass-through area 65C, so that thesucceeding user menu option 82 can be contained within the pass-througharea 65C. It is therefore possible to display the radiation image andsucceeding user menu option without lowering visual recognition evenwith a small form of the pass-through area of the radiation image. Notethat a display position of the succeeding user menu option 82 is notlimited to the upper right portion of the radiation image 65A, but canbe disposed in other suitable manners without lowering visualrecognition of the radiation image 65A. The pass-through area 65C can berecognized by a well-known technique of image recognition.

In the present embodiment, the exclusion processing of a radiation imageis performed in response to manual operation of the exclusion button 84b. However, it is possible to perform the exclusion procession bydetecting exact correspondence between a displayed radiation image inthe view page 77 and a user menu option, in a manner similar to the useof the exclusion button 84 b.

Specifically, a flicking action is conducted while the radiation image66A is displayed in the view page 77, to change the user menu option.The user menu option 63 for the radiation image 66A after the imaging isdisplayed in the view page 77. See FIG. 20. The user menu option 63 ofthe radiation image 66A after the imaging corresponds to a current usermenu option. In short, flicking changes over the succeeding user menuoption to the current user menu option. Thus, the radiation image 66Adisplayed in the view page 77 comes to correspond to the current usermenu option 63. The radiation image 66A is set as an excluded image toperform the exclusion processing.

In FIG. 16, the exclusion processing unit 48 causes the user menu option63 for the radiation image 66A as excluded image to display the diagonallines 63 d (cancel lines) in the user page 56. Also, the user menuoption 86 for re-imaging is automatically registered after setting thesame animal type information and imaging information as the excludedimage, and is displayed in the sample window area 59. Note that thecondition of the user menu option 86 registered newly for re-imaging isthe same as the condition of the current user menu option. Registeringthe user menu option 86 for re-imaging means possibility of re-imagingin the radiation image detector 30 according to the current user menuoption. The portable console device 31 transmits the animal typeinformation and imaging information of the user menu option 86 forre-imaging to the radiation image detector 30. Thus, it is possibleeasily to perform re-imaging of the excluded image.

Second to sixth preferred embodiments of the invention are hereinafterdescribed. Elements similar to those of the first embodiment aredesignated with identical reference numerals.

Second Embodiment

For display processing of a succeeding user menu option, a preview imageis utilized in addition to a main image or radiation image detected byradiographic imaging for the purpose of rapidity in displaying aradiation image. In FIG. 21, a radiographic imaging device 90 includes aradiation image detector 93 and the portable console device 31. Theradiographic imaging device 90 detects a main image 91, forms a previewimage 92 on the basis of the main image 91, and transmits the main image91 and the preview image 92. The portable console device 31 receives themain image 91 and the preview image 92. The preview image 92 is formedby reducing a size of the main image 91 or by lowering image quality ofthe main image 91, and has a smaller data size than the main image 91.Time required for transmitting the preview image 92 is shorter than thatfor the main image 91. Thus, reception of the preview image 92 at theportable console device 31 is completed more rapidly than that of themain image 91.

In FIG. 22, radiation image retrieval in the display controller 42 ofthe portable console device 31 is illustrated. After completing thetransmission of the animal type information and imaging information(S20) and the reception of the ready signal (S21), radiation isirradiated actually and a radiation image is created, in the same manneras the first embodiment. The display controller 42 receives the previewimage 92 from the radiation image detector 93 in the step S30. In FIG.23, the display controller 42 causes the view page 77 to display thepreview image 92 in the step S31. The display controller 42 uponreceiving the main image 91 from the radiation image detector 93 (yes inthe step S32) performs display processing to display the succeeding usermenu option 82 in the view page 77 in an overlapped manner with the mainimage 91 upon changeover from the preview image 92 to the main image 91,in the step S33. The succeeding user menu option 82 is displayed in anoverlapped manner with a pass-through area of the main image 91, in thesame manner as the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, only the preview image 92 is displayedinitially on the touchscreen display unit 31 a. Thus, the preview image92 (radiation image) can be displayed with improved recognition, as noreduction in a display size of the preview image 92 is required, and thepreview image 92 is not hidden by other displayed objects. Uponchangeover of display from the preview image 92 to the main image 91,the succeeding user menu option 82 is displayed on the touchscreendisplay unit 31 a together with the main image 91. Thus, a form of asucceeding radiation image can be checked without leaving theveterinarian's hands from the animal body P.

In this situation, time (time lag) taken after displaying the previewimage 92 and before displaying the succeeding user menu option 82depends upon time required for receiving the main image 91. The time(time lag) is not a predetermined value in the manner of waiting timefor display described in the first embodiment above, but is changeableaccording to an environmental factor, such as a transmission speed. Inthe case of good environment of excessively short time before receivingthe main image 91, it is possible to display the main image 91 and thesucceeding user menu option 82 upon the lapse of the waiting time of thedisplay predetermined in the manner of the first embodiment, as anexample of a limit value for receiving the main image 91. In combinationwith this operation, a preferable value of the waiting time of displaycan be equal to or longer than time for visually recognizing the previewimage 92.

The succeeding user menu option 82 is displayed in an overlapped mannerwith the main image 91. The main image 91 and the succeeding user menuoption 82 can be displayed simultaneously even without reducing theirdisplay sizes. The main image 91 and the succeeding user menu option 82can be displayed on the touchscreen display unit 31 a with improvedrecognition, and can be visually checked and confirmed from a personpositioned remotely from the portable console device 31. Theveterinarian or operator can confirm the positioning of the animal bodywith the preview image 92 without problem. The main image 91 and thesucceeding user menu option 82 become displayed during preparation forre-imaging. Thus, the re-imaging can be performed after checking themain image 91 and the succeeding user menu option 82.

Third Embodiment

In the image browsing for human medicine, conditions for requiredradiation images may be predetermined as standard conditions for variouspurposes of the image browsing, for example, body parts, imagingdirections and the like. Assuming that the purpose is diagnosis of alung cancer of a person, radiation images are created generally inplural imaging directions of the front, lateral and diagonal for a chestas a body part of interest. In order to perform the image browsingreliably without′errors in the predetermined conditions, sub menu itemsfor retrieving radiation images of the plural body parts and pluralimaging directions can be predetermined in a set (group). To this end, aconsole device is constructed to register the set of the sub menu itemsas a user menu option. A third preferred embodiment is to display theset of the sub menu items as a succeeding user menu option.

In the user page 56 in FIG. 24, a chest menu option 100 and an abdomenmenu option 101 are registered as user menu options by menu registrationand displayed in the sample window area 59. The chest menu option 100 isfor the purpose of diagnosing a lung cancer. The abdomen menu option 101is for the purpose of diagnosing a gastric cancer. In FIG. 25, pluralsub menu items 100 a, 100 b and 100 c are predetermined in the chestmenu option 100 for a body part of “THORAX” and imaging directions of“FRONT”, “DIAGONAL” and “LATERAL”. In FIG. 26, plural sub menu items 101a, 101 b and 101 c are predetermined in the abdomen menu option 101 fora body part of “ABDOMEN” and imaging directions of “FRONT”, “DIAGONAL”and “LATERAL”.

Assuming that the display controller 42 receives a radiation imagecreated according to the sub menu item 100 a at a first location in thechest menu option 100, a radiation image 103 is displayed in the viewpage 77 as illustrated in FIG. 27. Upon lapse of the waiting time fordisplay from displaying the radiation image 103, the sub menu items 100b and 100 c in the chest menu option 100 are displayed in an overlappedmanner with the radiation image 103 as a succeeding user menu option. Ateach time that the display controller 42 receives a radiation imagecreated according to one of the sub menu items, the received radiationimage is displayed in the view page 77. Upon lapse of the waiting timefor display, the display controller 42 performs display processing todisplay the remainder of the sub menu items.

Upon receiving a radiation image according to the sub menu item 100 c ofa final location in the chest menu option 100, the display controller 42causes the view page 77 to display a received radiation image 105. Uponlapse of the waiting time for display, the display controller 42performs display processing of the sub menu items 101 a-101 c in theabdomen menu option 101 in an overlapped manner with the radiation image105 for a form of a succeeding user menu option. In short, the displaycontroller 42 causes the view page 77 to display plural sub menu itemsin a set by way of a succeeding user menu option in a list form.

In the embodiment, the sub menu items 100 a-100 c and the sub menu items101 a-101 c are displayed in a list form as a succeeding user menuoption for each of the sets of the chest menu option 100 and the abdomenmenu option 101. A radiation image can be previously checked withrequirement for the image browsing according to the set of the menuitems, to increase efficiency in the operation. Only sub menu itemsbefore imaging are displayed in the view page 77 according to theprogress of the imaging. A succeeding radiation image to be created canbe previously checked.

Fourth Embodiment

For display processing of the view page 77, the current user menu optionof the displayed radiation image is displayed in an overlapped mannerwith the radiation image together with the succeeding user menu option.In FIG. 28, the portable console device 31 in the radiation imageretrieval performs tasks of transmission of animal type information andimaging information in the step S20, reception of a ready signal in thestep S21, and reception of a radiation image in the step S22, in amanner similar to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 29, the display controller 42 causes the view page 77 to displaythe radiation image 65A from the radiation image detector 30 and acurrent user menu option 110 or radiation image retrieving menu optionin an overlapped manner with the radiation image 65A in the step S40,the current user menu option 110 being registered for retrieving theradiation image 65A. A pass-through area 65D is formed in an upper leftportion of the radiation image 65A. The current user menu option 110 isoverlapped with the pass-through area 65D. The current user menu option110 includes a display area 110 a and alphanumeric information 110 b.The display area 110 a extends horizontally in a form of a rectangularquadrilateral. The alphanumeric information 110 b is displayed in thedisplay area 110 a. The alphanumeric information 110 b expresses animaltype information and imaging information set upon registering thecurrent user menu option 110.

The display controller 42 checks whether the waiting time for displayhas elapsed or not in the step S24 after displaying the radiation image65A in the image display area 78. Assuming that the waiting time haselapsed (yes in the step S24) after displaying the radiation image 65A,the display controller 42 performs display control to display thesucceeding user menu option 82 in an overlapped manner with theradiation image 65A in the step S25. Processing for the purpose ofdisplaying the succeeding user menu option is repeated until completingthe imaging for all of the user menu options registered in the user page56, in the step S26.

In the embodiment, the current user menu option 110 registered toretrieve the radiation image 65A is displayed in an overlapped mannerwith the radiation image 65A. It is possible to check the menu optionaccording to which the radiation image 65A has been retrieved. Thecurrent user menu option 110 is displayed in an overlapped manner withthe pass-through area 65D of the radiation image 65A, which is nothidden by the current user menu option 110. In the embodiment, thecurrent user menu option 110 is displayed in the pass-through area 65D.However, the current user menu option 110 can be displayed at anylocation, for example, under the succeeding user menu option 82 in thepass-through area 65B on the right side of the radiation image 65A inFIG. 14.

Fifth Embodiment

For display processing of a current user menu option, a preview image isutilized in addition to a main image in a manner similar to the secondembodiment. In FIG. 21, the radiographic imaging device 90 includes theradiation image detector 93 and the portable console device 31. Theradiation image detector 93 transmits the main image 91 and the previewimage 92. The portable console device 31 receives the main image 91 andthe preview image 92. The preview image 92 has a smaller data size thanthe main image 91, so transmission of the preview image 92 is more rapidthan that of the main image 91, in the same manner as the secondembodiment.

In FIG. 30, the display controller 42 in the portable console device 31performs tasks in the radiation image retrieval in the same manner asthe second embodiment, the tasks including transmission of animal typeinformation and imaging information (S20), reception of a ready signal(S21) and reception of the preview image 92 (S30). In FIG. 31, thedisplay controller 42 causes the view page 77 to display the previewimage 92 (from the radiation image detector 30) and a current user menuoption 115 or radiation image retrieving menu option in an overlappedmanner with the preview image 92 in the step S45, the current user menuoption 115 being registered for retrieving the preview image 92. Apass-through area is formed on a left side of the preview image 92. Thecurrent user menu option 115 is overlapped with the pass-through area inthe same manner as the fourth embodiment. The display controller 42 uponreceiving the main image 91 from the radiation image detector 93 (yes inthe step S32) causes the view page 77 to display the main image 91 andthe succeeding user menu option 82 in place of the preview image 92 andthe current user menu option 115 in the step S33. The succeeding usermenu option 82 is displayed in an overlapped manner with a pass-througharea on a right side of the main image 91 in the same manner as thefirst embodiment.

In the embodiment, the current user menu option 115 registered forretrieving the preview image 92 is displayed with the preview image 92.It is possible visually to find a user menu of an origin of the previewimage 92 displayed currently in relation to the user menu option. Uponchangeover from the preview image 92 to the main image 91, thesucceeding user menu option 82 is displayed. It is possible to preview asucceeding radiation image without leaving hands from the animal body P.

Sixth Embodiment

In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the current user menu option isdisplayed. In contrast, attribute information of a created radiationimage is utilized to display information of the current user menu optionin the present embodiment.

Data of radiation images detected by the radiation image detector 30 isin a file format according to the DICOM (Digital Imaging andCommunication in Medicine) as standards of formats and communicationprotocol of medical images. In FIG. 32, a radiation image file 120 inthe DICOM has radiation image data 121 and overlay information 122,which is displayable in an overlapped manner with a radiation imagewhile the radiation image is displayed by the console device. Theoverlay information 122 includes information items for locations in theoverlapped form with the radiation image, the items including an upperleft portion 122 a, an upper right portion 122 b, a lower left portion122 c and a lower right portion 122 d. The upper left portion 122 a ofthe overlay information 122 has a body ID, animal name and the like. Theupper right portion 122 b of the overlay information 122 has a casenumber, menu title of imaging, and the like.

In FIG. 33, the display controller 42 of the portable console device 31causes the view page 77 to display items of the overlay information 122in an overlapped manner with the radiation image in place of the currentuser menu option in the course of displaying the radiation image and theuser menu option. It is unnecessary to display the entirety of theoverlay information 122. Only partial items in the overlay information122 relevant to the current user menu option are displayed. In FIG. 33,a body ID 124 a is displayed in an upper left portion of the radiationimage 65A. A menu title 124 b, a body part 124 c and an imagingdirection 124 d are indicated in an upper right portion of the radiationimage 65A. Consequently, it is possible to check the user menu optionaccording to which the displayed radiation image has been retrieved, inthe same manner as displaying the current user menu option.

Seventh Embodiment

A succeeding user menu option according to a seventh embodiment isexpressed by use of sound or voice. In FIG. 34, a portable consoledevice 130 includes the CPU 31 c. The display controller 42 and an audioprocessing unit 131 are caused to operate in the CPU 31 c upon runningthe computer-executable program. The audio processing unit 131 outputssound of the succeeding user menu option from the audio interface 31 kfor the display controller 42 to perform display processing of thesucceeding user menu option on the touchscreen display unit 31 a. Thesound can be reproduced sound created by playing back audio data ofpreviously recorded sound or voice of a person, or synthesized sound ofaudio data generated by the CPU 31 c. In the embodiment, it is possibleacoustically to confirm the succeeding user menu option of the soundoutput by the audio interface 31 k. Operability can be made higher inthe course of imaging of plural radiation images while the posture ofthe animal body P is changed.

Eighth Embodiment

Guidance information is displayed in the image display area 78 beforedisplaying a radiation image upon changeover from the user page 56 tothe view page 77 by long press on the user menu option 62 or 63. In FIG.35, a portable console device 135 has the storage medium 31 e, which isconstituted by a guidance information database 136 or guidanceinformation storage medium for storing plural sets of guidanceinformation related to steps of imaging of a radiation image of theanimal body P. The sets of the guidance information are prepared forrespectively the animal types of the animals having the animal body P,and include a guide image and a help text. Examples of the guide imageare a still image such as a photograph and drawing, and a moving imagesuch as a video image or animation image.

In FIG. 36, the display controller 42 responds to changeover from theuser page 56 to the view page 77 by long press of the user menu option62 or 63 before imaging, and reads out guidance information 138 or helpinformation from the guidance information database 136 according to theselected one of the user menu options 62 and 63, and causes the imagedisplay area 78 to display the guidance information 138. The guidanceinformation 138 in the image display area 78 includes guide images 139 aand 140 a and help texts 139 b and 140 b, predetermined for plural stepsof imaging.

An example of the help text 139 b is as follows.

“Place the electronic cassette on the patient table. Hold limbs of arabbit by hands of 2 persons. In case of resistance of the rabbit, stopand start placement again.

NB. A rabbit has behavior of accepting repeated stimulus, and becomesaccustomed to the posture by the repetition of the action.”

An example of the help text 140 b is as follows.

“Turn round the rabbit laterally while keeping the body placed on theelectronic cassette. Pull the limbs forwards and backwards to extend thebody. Direct its backbone in parallel with the electronic cassette.”

Should the guidance information 138 be not displayable entirely in theimage display area 78, the image display area 78 is caused to appear ina scrollable manner. Upon receiving a radiation image from the radiationimage detector 30, the received radiation image is displayed in theimage display area 78 in place of the guidance information 138. It ispossible in the embodiment to utilize the image display area 78 withoutinformation immediately after changeover of the pages. As the guidanceinformation 138 is displayed in the image display area 78, imaging of aradiation image can be performed suitably by following the guidanceinformation 138.

Ninth Embodiment

The portable console device 31 in the first embodiment is disposed onthe patient table 22 of the stand device 15 or a support plate near tothe stand device 15. In FIG. 37, another preferred radiographic imagingsystem 145 is illustrated. A console holder 146 is disposed in the stand20 of the stand device 15 for receiving insertion of the console housingof the portable console device 31 for positioning near to the controlpanel 25 a of the source driver 25. This is effective in facilitatingvisual recognition of the portable console device 31 as the portableconsole device 31 is held on the portion of the stand device 15. Also,the portable console device 31 and the control panel 25 a can bemanually operated without leaving from the stand device 15, because theportable console device 31 is set near to the control panel 25 a. Notethat the nearness to the control panel 25 a means such a distance that aveterinarian ID can manipulate both of the portable console device 31and the control panel 25 a while he or she manually touches the animalbody P without leaving.

In the above embodiments, the basis of the portable console device 31 isthe tablet terminal device. However, a basis of the portable consoledevice 31 in the invention can be a notebook personal computer, smartphone, and other user terminal devices. In the above embodiments, theportable console device 31 is for the veterinary use. However, theportable console device 31 of the invention can be used for medicine forhuman patients, for example, emergency medicine.

In the above embodiments, the console device retrieves radiation imagesfrom the radiographic imaging device having the FPD. However, a consoledevice can retrieve radiation images from other apparatuses or datasources, such as X-ray film scanner or IP reading device for use with anX-ray film, IP cassette, or the like.

Note that the user menu options or radiation image retrieving menuoptions of the present invention are not limited to the aboveembodiments, but can be other structure in a list form well-known in thedisplay processing, such as a selection list, navigation area, tool bar,button display area and the like.

In one preferred embodiment mode of the invention, a computer executableprogram for a portable information terminal device for retrieving aradiation image created by a radiographic imaging device is provided. Aprogram code is for registering plural user menu options for retrievingthe radiation image. A program code is for retrieving the radiationimage respectively according to the registered user menu options. Aprogram code is for, after displaying the radiation image retrievedaccording to a current user menu option on a display unit among the usermenu options, performing display processing to display a succeeding usermenu option for retrieving at least a succeeding radiation image in anoverlapped manner with the displayed radiation image.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way of thepreferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to thosehaving skill in this field. Therefore, unless otherwise these changesand modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, theyshould be construed as included therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. a console device of a portable type forretrieving a radiation image created by a radiographic imaging device,comprising: a registration unit for registering plural user menu optionsfor retrieving said radiation image; a radiation image retrieving unitfor retrieving said radiation image respectively according to saidregistered user menu options; and a display controller for, afterdisplaying said radiation image retrieved according to a current usermenu option on a display unit among said user menu options, performingdisplay processing to display a succeeding user menu option forretrieving at least a succeeding radiation image in an overlapped mannerwith said displayed radiation image.
 2. A console device as defined inclaim 1, wherein said display controller performs display processing ofsaid succeeding user menu option upon lapse of waiting time for displayafter said radiation image becomes displayed.
 3. A console device asdefined in claim 1, wherein said display controller causes said displayunit to display a main image of said radiation image and a preview imageof said radiation image with a smaller data size than said main image ina sequence of changing over from said preview image to said main image;upon changing over said display unit from said preview image to saidmain image, said succeeding user menu option is displayed in anoverlapped manner with said main image.
 4. A console device as definedin claim 1, wherein said succeeding user menu option is constituted by agroup of plural sub menu items, and said display controller performsdisplay processing of said plural sub menu items by said group in a formof said succeeding user menu option.
 5. A console device as defined inclaim 1, wherein said display controller performs display processing todisplay said current user menu option in an overlapped manner with saidradiation image.
 6. A console device as defined in claim 3, wherein saiddisplay controller causes said display unit to display said current usermenu option in an overlapped manner with said preview image; uponchangeover from said preview image to said main image, said succeedinguser menu option is displayed in an overlapped manner with said mainimage.
 7. A console device as defined in claim 6, wherein a pass-througharea is formed in said radiation image by directly receiving saidradiation without passing through an object; said display controllerperforms display processing of said current or succeeding user menuoption inside said pass-through area.
 8. A console device as defined inclaim 7, wherein said display controller determines a display form ofsaid current or succeeding user menu option within said pass-througharea by considering a form of said pass-through area.
 9. A consoledevice as defined in claim 4, wherein said display controller reads outattribute information associated with said radiation image beforedisplaying said current user menu option, and causes display processingto display a first item in an overlapped manner with said current usermenu option, said first item being relevant to said current user menuoption among plural items included in said attribute information.
 10. Aconsole device as defined in claim 1, wherein assuming that said displayunit is changed over from said succeeding user menu option to anotheruser menu option, said radiation image retrieving unit changes asequence of retrieving said radiation image.
 11. A console device asdefined in claim 1, wherein assuming that said succeeding user menuoption is changed to a current user menu option, said radiation imageretrieving unit enables said radiographic imaging device to performre-imaging according to said current user menu option.
 12. A consoledevice as defined in claim 1, further comprising an audio processingunit for notifying information of said succeeding user menu optionacoustically.
 13. A console device as defined in claim 1, wherein saiddisplay controller causes said display unit to display guidanceinformation for steps of creating said radiation image in saidradiographic imaging device until said radiation image is initiallyretrieved according to said plural user menu options.
 14. A consoledevice as defined in claim 1, wherein an object in said radiation imageis an animal body, and said radiation image is for veterinary use.
 15. Acontrol method for a portable information terminal device for retrievinga radiation image created by a radiographic imaging device, comprisingsteps of: registering plural user menu options for retrieving saidradiation image; retrieving said radiation image respectively accordingto said registered user menu options; and after displaying saidradiation image retrieved according to a current user menu option on adisplay unit among said user menu options, displaying a succeeding usermenu option for retrieving at least a succeeding radiation image in anoverlapped manner with said displayed radiation image.
 16. Aradiographic imaging system comprising: a radiographic imaging devicefor creating a radiation image from radiation passed through a body; aconsole device of a portable type for retrieving said radiation imagefrom said radiographic imaging device; and a console holder for holdingsaid console device; said console device including: a registration unitfor registering plural user menu options for retrieving said radiationimage; a radiation image retrieving unit for retrieving said radiationimage respectively according to said registered user menu options; and adisplay controller for, after displaying said radiation image retrievedaccording to a current user menu option on a display unit among saiduser menu options, performing display processing to display a succeedinguser menu option for retrieving at least a succeeding radiation image inan overlapped manner with said displayed radiation image.